Project was created as a response to the need of young people to seek practical solutions in the field of sustainability and, at the same time, to actively engage in community life through non-formal education and intercultural cooperation. The implementation of the project will bring more than just a short-term exchange – our aim is to support young people in acquiring concrete competences that they can use in their personal, community, and professional lives. The project focuses on three main dimensions: learning through experience, development of youth competences, and strengthening the social dimension of youth work. Learning through experience The exchange will take place in Lithuania, in a region rich in traditions, crafts, and ecological initiatives. Participants will be directly involved in activities such as visits to craft workshops, farms, and community centres. Through non-formal education methods – teamwork, role plays, discussions, reflections, creative workshops – young people will have the opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge about sustainability with real-life experiences. This approach fosters critical thinking and teaches young people that sustainability is not just a slogan but a practical path to a responsible lifestyle. Development of youth competences The project focuses on the development of key competences for the 21st century: the ability to communicate in a foreign language, collaborate in an international team, think critically, solve problems, and reflect on one’s own learning. Participants will work in mixed groups, strengthening their flexibility, intercultural sensitivity, and ability to cooperate with people from different cultural backgrounds. In addition, the project emphasises the development of soft skills – empathy, responsibility, proactive attitude, and the ability to take initiative. Self-management and the role of leaders An important objective of the project is to empower young people to manage activities themselves. The programme is designed in such a way that participants will be responsible for preparing and carrying out parts of the programme – for example, leading workshops in mixed teams, documenting the exchange, preparing presentations during intercultural evenings, or facilitating reflection. Leaders will act only as supportive and expert staff – providing expertise on topics such as crafts or sustainability, ensuring safety, and helping in case of organisational issues. However, the responsibility for the flow, decision-making, and energy of the programme will remain in the hands of the young participants. This approach strengthens their confidence, encourages them to take initiative, and allows them to try out the role of facilitators and leaders. The social dimension of youth work One of the main goals is to show young people that even small steps in their community can lead to big changes. The project will encourage them to become multipliers after their return – to share their experiences with classmates, friends, and communities and inspire others to take part in sustainable activities. In this way, the project will go beyond the exchange itself and create a positive impact at local and regional level. Practical objectives of the project To provide 24 young people from Lithuania, Slovakia, and Greece with the opportunity to learn about sustainability through practical experiences. To connect traditional crafts and ecological approaches with modern understanding of sustainability. To develop the ability to work in international teams and strengthen intercultural dialogue. To support young people in identifying and recognising their own learning through tools such as Youthpass. To create a joint output “Participants’ Perspective” as a reflection of the project and a practical tool for future youth exchanges. To strengthen partnerships between organisations and establish a basis for future projects in the field of environmental education and youth work. Expected impact on youth work practice The project will bring new methods and approaches that partner organisations can integrate into their work – for example, combining traditional crafts with environmental education, using reflective tools and methods (Kolb, Bloom), or involving participants in facilitation and dissemination. This will strengthen the quality of youth work in the participating countries and create an example of good practice that can serve as inspiration for other organisations in Europe. Why it is important right now Young people today face many challenges – climate change, ecological problems, unemployment, and a sense of lack of opportunities. The project will offer them a space where they can not only discuss these issues but also experiment with practical solutions and develop new ideas together. Thanks to its European dimension, they will experience that tackling environmental challenges is a shared responsibility of all countries.